Some people are nervous about heights; some are agoraphobic; my particular phobia is flying. Upon discovering that I would have to endure two 'big' and four 'little' planes over a period of just four days, a cold sweat came over me, which was slightly relieved when I discovered that we would be in one of the bigger Caravans instead of the much smaller Cessna’s.
While these light aircraft weren't built to be spacious, the 12-seater Caravans are more comfortable and less claustrophobic than the Cessna’s, which are either 4 or 6-seaters. The planes used to depend on the number of travellers. The Caravans also offer a slightly smoother ride, but the general rule is: if you're prone to motion sickness, sit up near the front as you won't feel the thermals as much.
As we slowly took off from Maun International Airport (don’t be thrown by the "International" part, Sunday afternoons at a ladies bridge club are busier) I sat there white-knuckled and pale-faced. After a while a strange thing happened, I started to feel comfortable. Martin, our very experienced and friendly pilot definitely eased the nerves, but I also found myself distracted by my surroundings: the little clay buildings dotted around the centre of Maun (which really is a tiny little town,) the huge amount of cattle and the full Thamalakane River which feeds from the Boro River, one of the main channels of the Okavango Delta.
This was my first time seeing Botswana from the air, and it helped put the scenery into perspective for me. Not only was the landscape impressive, especially flying over the Savute Marsh and the magnificence of the whole of the Okavango Delta, but I also saw abundant wildlife, including elephant, giraffe, and hippo fresh out of the water (which turned out to be the only hippo we saw in the whole trip).
By the time our safari had ended, and I found myself on Terra firma back at Maun Airport. I was already dreaming up my next safari and realising how much I had enjoyed my time, especially in the 'little' planes. The whole Botswana experience is a bucket-list contender, and I recommend it to everyone; the young and the 'mature'.
I certainly will be back to visit Botswana by Air again.
Mashatu Lodge
The luxurious Mashatu Lodge is located in the heart of Botswana's Mashatu Game Reserve. The Lodge features just 14 luxury suites, each with modern amenities and creature comforts to ensure an unforgettable safari experience.
Guests can enjoy a variety of activities while staying at Mashatu, from game walks to cultural tours and night drives.
With its lush landscape and diverse wildlife, Mashatu Lodge is the perfect destination for a truly unique African safari experience.
Chobe Safari Lodge
Chobe Safari Lodge is nestled in a prime location right on the banks of the iconic Chobe River. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, the lodge provides an ideal base for travelers eager to immerse themselves in the region's abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Guests can also enjoy unforgettable boat cruises along the wildlife-rich Chobe River, where sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife make for a truly magical experience.
Chitabe Camp
Eight luxurious safari tents are found at Chitabe Camp, which is located within a private concession that borders and includes the world-famous Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana.
A stunning camp in the Moremi Reserve that offers day and night game drives as well as guided nature walks.
Vumbura Plains Camp
Vumbura Plains Camp, featuring 14 luxurious safari tents, is perfectly situated within the breathtaking Vumbura Plains Reserve. Spanning an impressive 130,000 acres of pristine wildlife terrain, this exclusive destination offers an intimate safari experience for a fortunate few.
Guests can immerse themselves in nature through exciting game drives or serene water-based safaris, enjoying the chance to spot a variety of wildlife and stunning landscapes in one of Africa's most remarkable wilderness areas.
Camp Linyanti
Camp Linyanti is purely for those with a passion for experiencing the wilds of Africa; this is a camp that is more about the quality of guiding, wildlife and birdlife over luxury accommodation.
Camp Linyanti offers up exceptional game drives and wildlife safaris.
Koro Island Camp
Koro Island Camp is situated on the Central Tuli Block of Botswana and is only accessible by an intricate suspension bridge over the Limpopo River.
It is a classic safari camp, offering only four en-suite Meru safari tents for guests to experience the true African wilderness in comfort.
Guests can partake in various activities such as game drives, bird watching and walking trails, perfect for small groups of explorers.
Experience the wonders of nature in an unforgettable escape at Koro Island Camp!
Selinda Camp
Selinda Camp offers eight spacious and luxurious tents all under thatch is located in the Selinda Wildlife Reserve, a 135 000-hectare of a private wildlife reserve in far northern reaches of Botswana.
Offering up some of the best game viewing in Botswana, all the while being located within the pristine Chobe enclave.
Pelo Camp
Pelo Camp provides guests with an authentic and untamed wilderness experience at an exceptional value. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Okavango Delta with activities such as serene water safaris in mokoros or motorboats, guided nature walks, and fishing excursions.
Whether you’re searching for a classic Okavango adventure or simply a tranquil escape from the everyday, Pelo Camp promises an unforgettable retreat into nature.